That’s it, here we are, the summer holidays have arrived, and the kids are out of school for two long months. While long holidays are associated with pleasant moments of relaxation with the family, beautiful encounters, and discoveries, they can also be synonymous with imbalance and disruption for the youngest ones. Between summer camps, stays with grandparents, and leisure activities, it is sometimes difficult to maintain a balance necessary for children’s proper development.

Here are some tips for your little ones to have a great July and August.

1 – Ensure good sleep

During the summer holidays, we tend to relax the rhythm. Bedtimes are very often delayed, and naps are gladly shortened to enjoy leisure activities. This is quite possible, but it is important to ensure that despite this time difference, your child has real full nights of sleep. This is the key to their overall health! Between nine and 12 hours of sleep are needed for a restful night, depending on age and needs.

  • Between three and five years old, a child will have to sleep between 11 and 12 hours on average. Between five and six years old, they will be able to get by with 10 hours of sleep and need a minimum of nine hours between seven and 12 years old. All of this also includes the understanding that sleep needs vary in children (“light” or “heavy” sleepers).

  • Naps are also an important time that allows children to recharge their batteries. If your child doesn’t feel the need to sleep, consider offering a moment of calm and silence to relax.

  • If your child is a fan of naps, he or she can take advantage of the holidays to sleep more but take care not to completely disrupt his or her biological clock, at the risk of struggling to readapt to the school rhythm.

There are natural solutions for children with difficulty falling asleep or with repeated nocturnal awakenings.

Certain plant-based active ingredients are known to promote falling asleep and prevent nocturnal awakenings, such as Lemon Balm. Syrups with gentle and soothing formulas containing Lavender, Chamomile, Marjoram and Hawthorn are ideal for helping children regain quality sleep and maintain alertness during the day.

2 – Balanced diet

During summer, balanced meals, rich in essential nutrients, remain vital to stay in shape.

We tend to relax the pressure on food during the holidays. It’s perfectly healthy to allow more regular treats during the holidays, but make sure your child has all the nutrients he or she needs to thrive.

  • Before the age of six, your child does not need to consume more than one protein per day (meat, eggs, fish). However, fruits and vegetables are essential at any age and can be consumed in large quantities. Also, think about dairy products. They help bones grow and strengthen. For snacks, choose bread over industrial biscuits, accompanied by a bit of chocolate and yoghurt or fruit.

  • Maintain roughly fixed mealtimes as much as possible. This will avoid nibbling “grazing while waiting”, which upsets the biological rhythm and tires the body.

For small eaters or those who particularly shun fruits and vegetables, natural health products rich in vitamins and minerals ensure essential nutritional intake and contribute to reduced fatigue.

Perfectly suited to young children, syrups combining plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals are wholly recommended to optimise the intake of micronutrients essential for proper body functioning and overall balance. For example, Vitamins Pro-A, E, C, D, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12, Copper, Molybdenum, Selenium and Iodine each contribute to energy metabolism, mental function, and the immune system.

Another alternative for children is vitamin gummies. Playful and practical, they are perfectly suited starting at three years old. Choose gummies combining Vitamins and Minerals such as Vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12, Selenium and Zinc. They will support the proper functioning of the immune system and help reduce fatigue. Always try to select ones without gelatine, preservatives, gluten, lactose, or artificial flavours or colourings.

3 – Your holiday kit!

After overcoming spring fatigue, the “long-awaited” holiday period is the subject of a delicate balance between rest and activities. So, we recharge our batteries a little more, and we relax!

To make sure that nothing disrupts your trip, remember an essential first-aid kit made up of natural solutions for the little hiccups of summer:

  • Altered transit due to disrupted eating habits.

    Artichoke, Fig, Rhubarb and Tamarind contribute to good digestive function. These plant and fruit extracts with synergistic action help regulate transit.

  • Travel sickness on the road during holidays, whether by car, bus, boat, or plane!

    Ginger, Mint, Sage and Milk Thistle naturally help fight motion sickness. Opt for a galenic in ready-to-drink sticks, perfectly suited to this type of situation.

  • Frequent swimmer’s ear (or otitis externa) during baths or repeated water activities.

    Ear sprays with 100% natural ingredients ensure good ear hygiene by eliminating excess earwax as well as residual water during baths or nautical activities. Opt for a nozzle spray suitable for young children.

  • Untimely mosquito attacks (more or less serious depending on where you will spend your holiday).

    Some sprays designed for children’s delicate skin have a preventive action thanks to a formula based on organic Geraniol Lavender Floral Water and Essential Oils. This keeps mosquitoes and other biting insects (wasps, etc.) or ticks away.

You are now equipped to spend a great summer holiday with your family. Take care of your little ones. Ineldea Laboratories wishes you a great summer and will see you at the start of the school year.